Player protection device with changeable design plates

ABSTRACT

A player protection device for protecting at least a portion of a player. The protection device comprises a protective surface configured to protect at least a portion of a body part of the player. The protection device also comprises a shield insert configured to be removably attached to the protective surface. The protective surface is configured to receive the shield insert and retain the shield insert thereon.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application claims priority to prior U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 62/429,318, and 62/456,795, filed on Dec. 2, 2016, andFeb. 9, 2017, correspondingly, and incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

Players in many sports wear protection devices to minimize or preventinjury during game play. Player protection devices take many shapes andforms and protect different parts of a player's anatomy. There areprotection devices for the head, back, chest, elbow, shin, wrist, foot,and other parts of the human body.

Players may have a choice of different colors and/or patterns for theprotection devices. The color and/or pattern of a particular protectiondevice is determined at the time of production and the player has alimited selection of colors and/or patterns from which to choose.

In many instances, a player purchases a protection device with aparticular color and/or pattern in order to match or be similar withother players on a same team. For example, all the players on aparticular baseball team agree to purchase the same color shin, foot,and elbow guards in order to project a common team image. If, afterpurchasing a particular protection device, a player needs to change theparticular color or design, e.g., due to a change in team, the playermust purchase another protection device having the new particular coloror design. This increases expense for the player.

Additionally, in other scenarios, a particular player engages in playfor more than one team or in more than one sport and wishes to reuse thesame protection device(s) for the different teams or sports. In thiscase, unless the colors or designs match the different team or sportcolors, the player has to purchase one or more additional protectiondevices. This also increases expense for the player.

Further still, fashion changes over time and colors, patterns, and/ordesigns fall in and out of favor. Player costs increase by having topurchase new protection devices for each change of fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shin guard and a foot guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a left, rear, perspective view of the shin guard and footguard of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the shin guard and foot guard ofFIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the shin guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the shin guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a detail cross-section view of a retainer portion of the shinguard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe shin guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a shield insert for the shin guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the shin guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foot guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the foot guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the foot guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the foot guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the foot guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe foot guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a shield insert for the foot guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the foot guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an elbow guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 23 is a left, rear perspective view of the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a front plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 25 is a rear plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 26 is a right-side plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of the elbow guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe elbow guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a detail cross-section view of a retainer portion of theelbow guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a shield insert for the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of another shield insert for the foot guard andanother shield insert for the shin guard, in accordance withembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials,arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the presentdisclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intendedto be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials,arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a player protection device 100comprising a shin guard 102 and a foot guard 104, in accordance withsome embodiments. Player protection device 100 is for protecting atleast a portion of a player. In at least some embodiments, playerprotection device protects a shin, foot, elbow, knee, arm, leg, thigh,or other similar body part. In at least some embodiments, playerprotection device 100 comprises both shin guard 102 and foot guard 104.In at least some embodiments, player protection device 100 comprises oneof either shin guard 102 or foot guard 104.

Shin guard 102 comprises a protective surface 106 configured to protectat least a portion of the body part of the player, i.e., the shin. Shinguard 102 also comprises a shield insert 108 configured to be removablyattached to the protective surface 106. The protective surface 106 isconfigured to receive the shield insert 108 and retain the shield insert108 thereon. Shield insert 108 is configured to be removablyattached/detached without the use of tools.

Similarly, foot guard 104 also comprises a protective surface 110 (alsoreferred to as secondary protective surface) and a shield insert 112(also referred to as a secondary shield insert). In at least the FIG. 1embodiment, foot guard 104 is removably attached with shin guard 102.Shield insert 112 is also configured to be removably attached/detachedwithout the use of tools.

Returning to shin guard 102, shield insert 108 comprises several tabsalong the periphery of the shield insert. In particular, shield insert108 comprises four tabs arranged in two pairs on opposite sides of theshield insert. Two of the four tabs 114 a and 114 b (collectivelyreferred to as tabs 114) are indicated in FIG. 1. Tabs 114 a and 114 bare best seen in FIG. 2. Two additional tabs are located on an oppositeedge of the periphery of shield insert 108. In at least someembodiments, shield insert 108 comprises a larger or smaller number oftabs along the periphery. In at least some embodiments, shield insert108 comprises at least one tab along a periphery of the shield insert.

In at least some embodiments, shield insert 108 comprises four tabs,wherein the four tabs are arranged as two opposing pairs of tabs alongopposite peripheral edges of the shield insert. In at least someembodiments, at least two of the four tabs of shield insert 108 arespaced apart in a linear manner along a peripheral edge of the shieldinsert.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs of shield insert 108 are planarextensions of shield insert 108 which extend parallel to the surface ofthe shield insert.

Protective surface 106 comprises several receptacles along the peripheryof the protective surface. Each of the receptacles is configured toreceive a tab from shield insert 108. In at least some embodiments, eachreceptacle is a slot formed in a portion of protective surface 106. Inat least some embodiments, each receptacle is a slot formed in a raisedportion of a peripheral edge of protective surface 106. In particular,protective surface 106 comprises two receptacles arranged in two pairson opposite sides of the protective surface. Two of the four receptacles116 a and 116 b (collectively referred to as receptacles 116) areindicated in FIG. 1. Receptacles 116 a and 116 b are best seen in FIG.2. Two additional receptacles are located on an opposite edge of theperiphery of protective surface 106. In at least some embodiments,protective surface 106 comprises a larger or smaller number of tabsalong the periphery. In at least some embodiments, protective surface106 comprises at least one receptacle along the periphery of theprotective surface.

In at least some embodiments, protective surface 106 comprises fourreceptacles 116, wherein the four receptacles are arranged as twoopposing pairs of receptacles along opposite peripheral edges of theprotective surface. In at least some embodiments, at least two of thefour receptacles of protective surface 106 are spaced apart in a linearmanner along the peripheral edge of the protective surface.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs 114 on shield insert 108 havediffering sizes and/or shapes. Similarly, corresponding receptacles 116on protective surface 106 have differing sizes and/or shapes.

Shield insert 108 also comprises at least one resiliently deformable tab118. In at least one embodiment, shield insert 108 comprises at leasttwo resiliently deformable tabs 118. In an embodiment having twodeformable tabs 118, the two deformable tabs are positioned on oppositeedges of shield insert 108. In at least some embodiments, shield insert108 comprises more than two resiliently deformable tabs 118. Theresiliently deformable tab 118 is made up of two linearly-spaced,opposing, resiliently deformable tab portions. In at least oneembodiment, the resiliently deformable tab 118 is made up of a singleresiliently deformable tab portion. Resiliently deformable tab 118 isdeformable in a parallel plane to the surface of shield insert 108.

Protective surface 106 comprises at least one opening 120 along theperiphery of the protective surface. Opening 120 is configured toreceive deformable tab 118 from shield insert 108 and retain thedeformable tab 118. In at least some embodiments, opening 120 comprisestwo openings, each one of which is aligned with one of the resilientlydeformable tab portions.

The deformable tab 118 is configured such that, during insertion of thedeformable tab 118 into opening 120, the resiliently deformable tabportions are urged toward each other by contact with edges of theopening formed in the protective surface 106. A user installing shieldinsert 108 onto protective surface 106 need only insert tabs 114 a/binto receptacles 116 a/b and guide deformable tab 118 into opening 120in order to install the shield insert. The process is reversed in orderto remove shield insert 108, i.e., the portions of deformable tab 118are pressed toward each other and removed from opening 120 and the tabs114 a/b are removed from receptacles 116 a/b.

In accordance with an embodiment that does not have a deformable tab118, the installation of shield insert 108 onto protective surface 106only requires the insertion of tabs 114 a/b into receptacles 116 a/b. Inorder to remove shield insert 108 from protective surface 106, theprocess is reversed and tabs 114 a/b are removed from receptacles 116a/b. In accordance with an embodiment lacking tabs 114 a/b andreceptacles 116 a/b, the installation of shield insert 108 ontoprotective surface 106 only requires the insertion of deformable tab 118into opening 120.

In at least one embodiment, shin guard 102 comprises shield insert 108having at least one tab along the periphery of the shield insert and atleast one resiliently deformable tab along a periphery of the shieldinsert, as well. In this embodiment, protective surface 106 has formedtherein at least one receptacle configured to receive the at least onetab of the shield insert 108 and also has formed therein at least oneopening configured to receive the at least one resiliently deformabletab.

In at least one embodiment, shield insert 108 comprises at least fourtabs 114 and at least two resiliently deformable tabs 118.

In one or more embodiments, the protective surface 106 is at least oneof a foot guard, a shin guard, knee guard, an elbow guard, or othersimilar protection for a body part. In at least one embodiment,protective surface 106 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section. In atleast another embodiment, protective surface 106 is substantially curvedin cross-section. In one or more embodiments, protective surface 106 iscurved in order to match the exterior shape of a body part. In at leastone embodiment, protective surface 106 comprises a padding materialattached to a rear of the protective surface and arranged to contact aplayer body part. In at least one embodiment, protective surface 106includes the padding material as an integrated part of the protectivesurface.

In at least one embodiment, shield insert 108 is generally planar andmade of a resiliently, flexible material. In at least one embodiment,shield insert 108 is flexed for insertion of tabs 114 and deformabletabs 118 into corresponding receptacles 116 and openings 120. Becauseshield insert 108 is resilient, the shield insert flexes to return to aplanar condition and applies pressure at tabs 114 and 118 to receptacles116 and openings 120 in order to further retain the shield insert inposition on protective surface.

Returning to foot guard 104, similar to shin guard 102, shield insert112 comprises a deformable tab 122. Deformable tab 122 is similar todeformable tab 118. Protective surface 110 of foot guard 104 comprisesan opening 124 for receiving and retaining the deformable tab 122therein. Opening 124 is similar to opening 120.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, protective device 100 comprises a secondaryprotective surface 110 configured to protect at least another portion ofa body part of the player, e.g., the foot. The secondary protectivesurface 110 is detachably fastened to the protective surface 106. Forexample, a strap or loop is usable to connect the protective surfaces106 and 110 to each other. In at least one embodiment, a clip attachedto secondary protective surface 110 is used to join the two protectivesurfaces together. In at least one embodiment, the secondary protectivesurface 110 is permanently affixed to protective surface 106.

The secondary shield insert 112 is configured to be removably attachedto the secondary protective surface 110 in a similar manner as shieldinsert 108 and protective surface 106. The secondary protective surface110 is configured to receive the secondary shield insert 112 and retainthe secondary shield insert thereon. In at least one embodiment,secondary shield insert 112 comprises only resiliently deformable tab122 for retention on secondary protective surface 110. In at least oneembodiment, secondary shield insert 112 comprises only tabs similar todeformable tab 118 for retention on secondary protective surface 110.

In at least some embodiments, protective surfaces 106 and 110 furthercomprise padding material on a backside of the protective surfacesopposite the shield inserts 108 and 112. In at least one embodiment,protective surfaces 106 and 110 include the padding material as anintegrated part of the protective surfaces.

Installation and removal of shield insert 112 from protective surface110 is similar to the process for shield insert 108 and protectivesurface 106.

Shin guard 102 also comprises two or more retainer openings along aperiphery of the protective surface. The retainer openings are used toretain shin guard 102 on a body part of a player. In the FIG. 1embodiment, a pair of retainer openings 126 a and 126 b (collectivelyreferred to as retainer openings 126) are positioned on one side ofprotective surface 106 and another pair of retainer openings (not shown)are positioned on an opposite side of the protective surface. Retaineropenings 126 are spaced along a peripheral edge of shin guard 102.

In at least one embodiment, a strap connects between two retaineropenings on opposite sides of shin guard 102. In at least oneembodiment, the strap is an elastic material. In at least oneembodiment, one end of the strap is permanently affixed to one side ofshin guard 102 and releasably attached with a retainer opening on anopposite side of shin guard 102. In at least one embodiment, each end ofthe strap is releasably connected to an opposite side of the shin guard102. In use, the strap connects behind a player body part from one sideof the shin guard 102 to the other side. In at least some embodiments,there are at least two straps. In at least some embodiments, there aregreater number of straps and retaining openings 126.

FIG. 2 is a left, rear, perspective view of the shin guard and footguard of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the shin guard and foot guard ofFIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shin guard 402, in accordance withsome embodiments. Shin guard 402 is similar to shin guard 102. Shinguard 402 comprises a protective surface 406 similar to protectivesurface 106. Shin guard 402 differs from shin guard 102 in that shinguard 402 lacks deformable tabs 118. Similar to shin guard 102, shinguard 402 comprises a pair of receptacles 416 a and 416 b (collectivelyreferred to as receptacles 416) on one side of shin guard 402. Anotherpair of receptacles 416 are located on an opposite side of shin guard402 from receptacles 416 a and 416 b. In at least some embodiments,receptacles 416 are formed in an edge of the periphery of protectivesurface 406.

Returning to shin guard 402, a shield insert 408 (not shown in FIG. 4;best viewed in FIG. 12) comprises several tabs along the periphery ofthe shield insert. In particular, shield insert 408 comprises four tabsarranged in two pairs on opposite sides of the shield insert. Thelocation of two of the four tabs 414 a and 414 b (collectively referredto as tabs 414) are generally indicated in FIG. 1. Tabs 414 a and 414 bare best seen in FIG. 12. Two additional tabs are located on an oppositeedge of the periphery of shield insert 408. In at least someembodiments, shield insert 408 comprises a larger or smaller number oftabs along the periphery. In at least some embodiments, shield insert408 comprises at least one tab along a periphery of the shield insert.

In at least some embodiments, shield insert 408 comprises four tabs,wherein the four tabs are arranged as two opposing pairs of tabs alongopposite peripheral edges of the shield insert. In at least someembodiments, at least two of the four tabs of shield insert 408 arespaced apart in a linear manner along a peripheral edge of the shieldinsert.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs of shield insert 408 are planarextensions of shield insert 408 which extend parallel to the surface ofthe shield insert.

Protective surface 406 comprises several receptacles along the peripheryof the protective surface. Each of the receptacles is configured toreceive a tab from shield insert 408. In at least some embodiments, eachreceptacle is a slot formed in a portion of protective surface 406. Inat least some embodiments, each receptacle is a slot formed in a raisedportion of a peripheral edge of protective surface 406. In particular,protective surface 406 comprises two receptacles arranged in two pairson opposite sides of the protective surface. Two of the four receptacles416 a and 416 b (collectively referred to as receptacles 416) areindicated in FIG. 4. Receptacles 416 a and 416 b are also seen in FIGS.5-7. Two additional receptacles are located on an opposite edge of theperiphery of protective surface 406. In at least some embodiments,protective surface 406 comprises a larger or smaller number of tabsalong the periphery. In at least some embodiments, protective surface406 comprises at least one receptacle along the periphery of theprotective surface.

In at least some embodiments, protective surface 406 comprises fourreceptacles 416, wherein the four receptacles are arranged as twoopposing pairs of receptacles along opposite peripheral edges of theprotective surface. In at least some embodiments, at least two of thefour receptacles of protective surface 406 are spaced apart in a linearmanner along the peripheral edge of the protective surface.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs 414 on shield insert 408 havediffering sizes and/or shapes. Similarly, corresponding receptacles 416on protective surface 406 have differing sizes and/or shapes.

Shin guard 402 also comprises two or more retainer openings along aperiphery of the protective surface. The retainer openings are used toretain shin guard 402 on a body part of a player. In the FIG. 4embodiment, a pair of retainer openings 426 a and 426 b (collectivelyreferred to as retainer openings 426) are positioned on one side ofprotective surface 406 and another pair of retainer openings (not shown)are positioned on an opposite side of the protective surface. Retaineropenings 426 are spaced along a peripheral edge of shin guard 402.

In at least one embodiment, a strap connects between two retaineropenings on opposite sides of shin guard 402. In at least oneembodiment, the strap is an elastic material. In at least oneembodiment, one end of the strap is permanently affixed to one side ofshin guard 402 and releasably attached with a retainer opening on anopposite side of shin guard 402. In at least one embodiment, each end ofthe strap is releasably connected to an opposite side of the shin guard402. In use, the strap connects behind a player body part from one sideof the shin guard 402 to the other side. In at least some embodiments,there are at least two straps. In at least some embodiments, there aregreater number of straps and retaining openings 426.

Additionally, shin guard 402 comprises an additional pair of receptacles430 a and 430 b (collectively referred to as receptacles 430) on oneside of shin guard 402. The pair of receptacles 430 on one side of shinguard 402 are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction whenthe shin guard is viewed when attached to a player's shin. Another pairof receptacles 430 are located on an opposite side of shin guard 402from receptacles 430 a and 430 b. In at least some embodiments,receptacles 430 are formed in an edge of the periphery of protectivesurface 406.

Receptacles 430 are similar to receptacles 416 and similar propertiesare not described herein for clarity. Similar to tabs 414, shield insert408 (not shown in FIG. 4; best viewed in FIG. 12) comprises severaladditional tabs along the periphery of the shield insert. In particular,shield insert 408 comprises four additional tabs arranged in two pairson opposite sides of the shield insert. The location of two of the fourtabs, i.e., tabs 432 a and 432 b (collectively referred to as additionaltabs 432) are generally indicated in FIG. 4. Tabs 432 a and 432 b arealso seen in FIG. 12. Two additional tabs are located on an oppositeedge of the periphery of shield insert 408. In at least someembodiments, shield insert 408 comprises a larger or smaller number ofadditional tabs along the periphery. In at least some embodiments,shield insert 408 comprises at least one additional tab along aperiphery of the shield insert.

In at least some embodiments, shield insert 408 comprises fouradditional tabs, wherein the four additional tabs are arranged as twoopposing pairs of additional tabs along opposite peripheral edges of theshield insert. In at least some embodiments, at least two of the fouradditional tabs of shield insert 408 are spaced apart in a linear manneralong a peripheral edge of the shield insert.

In at least some embodiments, the additional tabs of shield insert 408are planar extensions of shield insert 408 which extend parallel to thesurface of the shield insert.

Protective surface 406 comprises several receptacles 430 a along theperiphery of the protective surface. Each of the receptacles isconfigured to receive an additional tab 432 from shield insert 408. Inat least some embodiments, each receptacle 430 is a slot formed in aportion of protective surface 406. In at least some embodiments, eachreceptacle 430 is a slot formed in a raised portion of a peripheral edgeof protective surface 406. In particular, protective surface 406comprises two receptacles 430 arranged in two pairs on opposite sides ofthe protective surface. Two of the four receptacles 430 a and 430 b(collectively referred to as receptacles 430) are indicated in FIG. 4.Receptacles 430 a and 430 b are also seen in FIGS. 5-7. Two additionalreceptacles are located on an opposite edge of the periphery ofprotective surface 406. In at least some embodiments, protective surface406 comprises a larger or smaller number of additional tabs along theperiphery. In at least some embodiments, protective surface 406comprises at least one receptacle along the periphery of the protectivesurface.

In at least some embodiments, protective surface 406 comprises fourreceptacles 430, wherein the four receptacles are arranged as twoopposing pairs of receptacles along opposite peripheral edges of theprotective surface. In at least some embodiments, at least two of thefour receptacles of protective surface 406 are spaced apart in a linearmanner along the peripheral edge of the protective surface.

In at least some embodiments, the additional tabs 432 on shield insert408 have differing sizes and/or shapes. Similarly, correspondingreceptacles 430 on protective surface 406 have differing sizes and/orshapes.

FIG. 5 is a left, rear perspective view of the shin guard, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the shin guard, in accordance with someembodiments. As best seen in FIG. 7, a loop portion 702 of a hook andloop fastener mechanism is provided on an inner surface of protectivesurface 406. The loop portion 702 is usable to connect a foot guard toshin guard 402. In at least one embodiment, the foot guard has acorresponding hook portion to attached with loop portion 702. In atleast some embodiments, another attachment mechanism is usable toreleasably connect the foot guard with shin guard 402. In at least someembodiments, a strap and a receiving loop are used to connect the footguard with shin guard 402. In at least some embodiments, a belt loophaving a buckle is used to connect the foot guard with shin guard 402.In at least some embodiments, a snap fastener mechanism is used toconnect the foot guard with shin guard 402. In at least someembodiments, the foot guard is permanently affixed with shin guard 402,e.g., by gluing, welding, bonding, or other similar connectionmechanism.

FIG. 8 is a right-side plan view of the shin guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the shin guard through cross-sectionC-C′ of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments. As viewed incross-section, shin guard 402 has a generally U-shaped cross-section.

FIG. 10 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe shin guard, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG.10 depicts the slot corresponding to one of the pair of receptacles 430for receiving and retaining an additional tab 432 (not shown).

FIG. 11 is a detail cross-section view of a retainer portion of the shinguard, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 11depicts the slot corresponding to one of the pair of retainer openings426 for receiving a strap or other retention mechanism for retainingshin guard 402 on a player shin.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a shield insert 408 for the shin guard, inaccordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12 depicts thetabs 414 a and 414 b and additional tabs 432 a and 432 b located alongthe periphery of shield insert 408. Shield insert 408 is depicted in aflat state prior to insertion into shin guard 402. As depicted shieldinsert 408 also comprises two additional tabs 1200 located at an upperand lower portion of shield insert 408 and along the centerline of theshield insert. Additional tabs 1200 aid in retention and positioning ofshield insert 408 with respect to shin guard 402. In at least oneembodiment, additional tabs 1200 extend away from shield insert 408sufficiently far to slide under an edge of protective surface 406. In atleast one embodiment, shield insert 408 lacks additional tabs 1200.

As depicted, shield insert 408 comprises a body portion that has atleast one pair of tabs along a periphery of the body and arrangedopposite each other. The body portion also has at least one secondarytab along a periphery of the body and arranged perpendicular to the atleast one pair of tabs. In at least some embodiments, shield insert 408has three pairs of tabs and at least one secondary tab is at least twotabs.

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the shin guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foot guard 1404, in accordance withsome embodiments. Foot guard 1404 is similar to foot guard 104 (FIG. 1).Foot guard 1404 comprises a protective surface 1406 similar toprotective surfaces 106, 110, and 406. Foot guard differs from footguard 104 in that insert foot guard 1404 lacks deformable tabs 122.Similar to foot guard 104, foot guard 1404 comprises a pair of openings1424 for receiving and retaining tabs 1420 (location generally indicatedin FIG. 14; best shown in FIG. 20). Openings 1424 are located onopposite peripheral edges of foot guard 1404. Openings 1424 are similarto openings 124 of shin guard 104.

Foot guard also comprises an extending portion 1410 of protectivesurface 1406 which extends inward toward the center of the protectivesurface 1406 from a top edge thereof. Extending portion 1410 assistswith retaining and positioning shield insert 1412 on protective surface1406. In at least some embodiments, extending portion 1410 provides alocation for attachment of a hook fastener to mate with loop fastener ofthe shin guard 402. In at least some embodiments, another portion offoot guard 1404 is used to attach the foot guard to the shin guard. Footguard 1404 also comprises an additional opening 1414 at a bottom edge ofprotective surface 1406 for receiving and retaining an additional tab1430 (location generally indicated in FIG. 14; best shown in FIG. 20).Additional opening 1414 is located on a bottom peripheral edge of footguard 1404. Additional opening 1414 is similar to openings 1424.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the foot guard 1404, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the foot guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the foot guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the foot guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe foot guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of shield insert 1412 for foot guard 1404, inaccordance with some embodiments. As FIG. 20 depicts, a pair of tabs1420 are located at opposite peripheral edges of shield insert 1412. Inat least some embodiments, tabs 1420 are larger or smaller. In at leastsome embodiments, shield insert 1412 comprises more than one pair oftabs 1420. In at least some embodiments, shield insert 1412 comprisesmore than one additional tab 1430 along a bottom peripheral edge of theshield insert. In at least some embodiments, shield insert 1412comprises an additional tab 1430 along a top peripheral edge of theshield insert. In at least some embodiments, additional tab 1430 islocated along a vertical centerline of shield insert 1412.

In at least some embodiments, shield insert 1412 lacks extending portion1428. In at least some embodiments, shield insert 1412 lacks additionaltab 1430.

FIG. 21 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the foot guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an elbow guard 2202, in accordance withsome embodiments. Elbow guard 2202 is similar to shin guard 102 and 402.Elbow guard 2202 is configured to at least partially surround andprotect the elbow of a player. A shield insert 3008 (FIG. 30) isconfigured to fit onto and cover a face of elbow guard 2202. Shieldinsert 3008 is similar to shield insert 108, 112, 408, and 1412.

Elbow guard 2202 comprises a protective surface 2206 similar toprotective surface 106. Elbow guard 2202 differs from shin guard 102 inthat elbow guard 2202 lacks deformable tabs 118.

Similar to shin guard 102, elbow guard 2202 comprises a pair ofreceptacles 2216 a and 2216 b (collectively referred to as receptacles2216) on one side of elbow guard 2202. Another pair of receptacles 2216are located on an opposite side of elbow guard 2202 from receptacles2216 a and 2216 b. In at least some embodiments, receptacles 2216 areformed in an edge of the periphery of protective surface 2206.

Returning to elbow guard 2202, a shield insert 3008 (not shown in FIG.22; best viewed in FIG. 30) comprises several tabs along the peripheryof the shield insert. In particular, shield insert 3008 comprises fourtabs arranged in two pairs on opposite sides of the shield insert. Thelocation of two of the four tabs 3014 a and 3014 b (collectivelyreferred to as tabs 3014) are generally indicated in FIG. 22. Tabs 3014a and 3014 b are best seen in FIG. 30. Two additional tabs are locatedon an opposite edge of the periphery of shield insert 3008. In at leastsome embodiments, shield insert 3008 comprises a larger or smallernumber of tabs along the periphery. In at least some embodiments, shieldinsert 3008 comprises at least one tab along a periphery of the shieldinsert.

In at least some embodiments, shield insert 3008 comprises four tabs,wherein the four tabs are arranged as two opposing pairs of tabs alongopposite peripheral edges of the shield insert. In at least someembodiments, at least two of the four tabs of shield insert 3008 arespaced apart in a linear manner along a peripheral edge of the shieldinsert.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs of shield insert 3008 are planarextensions of shield insert 3008 which extend parallel to the surface ofthe shield insert.

Protective surface 2206 comprises several receptacles along theperiphery of the protective surface. Each of the receptacles isconfigured to receive a tab from shield insert 3008. In at least someembodiments, each receptacle is a slot formed in a portion of protectivesurface 2206. In at least some embodiments, each receptacle is a slotformed in a raised portion of a peripheral edge of protective surface2206. In particular, protective surface 2206 comprises two receptaclesarranged in two pairs on opposite sides of the protective surface. Twoof the four receptacles 2216 a and 2216 b (collectively referred to asreceptacles 2216) are indicated in FIG. 22. Receptacles 2216 a and 2216b are also seen in FIGS. 23-25. Two additional receptacles are locatedon an opposite edge of the periphery of protective surface 2206. In atleast some embodiments, protective surface 2206 comprises a larger orsmaller number of tabs along the periphery. In at least someembodiments, protective surface 2206 comprises at least one receptaclealong the periphery of the protective surface.

In at least some embodiments, protective surface 2206 comprises fourreceptacles 2216, wherein the four receptacles are arranged as twoopposing pairs of receptacles along opposite peripheral edges of theprotective surface. In at least some embodiments, at least two of thefour receptacles of protective surface 2206 are spaced apart in a linearmanner along the peripheral edge of the protective surface.

In at least some embodiments, the tabs 3014 on shield insert 2208 havediffering sizes and/or shapes. Similarly, corresponding receptacles 2216on protective surface 2206 have differing sizes and/or shapes.

Elbow guard 2202 also comprises two or more retainer openings along aperiphery of the protective surface. The retainer openings are used toretain elbow guard 2202 on a body part of a player. In the FIG. 22embodiment, a pair of retainer openings 2226 a and 2226 b (collectivelyreferred to as retainer openings 2226) are positioned on one side ofprotective surface 2206 and another pair of retainer openings (notshown) are positioned on an opposite side of the protective surface.Retainer openings 2226 are spaced along a peripheral edge of elbow guard2202.

In at least one embodiment, a strap connects between two retaineropenings on opposite sides of elbow guard 2202. In at least oneembodiment, the strap is an elastic material. In at least oneembodiment, one end of the strap is permanently affixed to one side ofelbow guard 2202 and releasably attached with a retainer opening on anopposite side of elbow guard 2202. In at least one embodiment, each endof the strap is releasably connected to an opposite side of the elbowguard 2202. In use, the strap connects behind a player body part fromone side of elbow guard 2202 to the other side. In at least someembodiments, there are at least two straps. In at least someembodiments, there are greater number of straps and retaining openings2226.

Elbow guard 2202 also comprises an extending portion 2210 of protectivesurface 2206 which extends inward toward the center of the protectivesurface 2206 from a top edge thereof. Extending portion 2210 assistswith retaining and positioning shield insert 3008 on protective surface2206. In at least some embodiments, extending portion 2210 comprises anopening configured to receive an additional tab 3002 of shield insert3008.

Elbow guard 2202 also comprises an additional opening 2214 at a bottomedge of protective surface 2206 for receiving and retaining anadditional tab 3002 (location generally indicated in FIG. 22; best shownin FIG. 30). Additional opening 2214 is located on a bottom peripheraledge of elbow guard 2202. Additional opening 2214 is similar to opening1414.

FIG. 23 is a left, rear perspective view of the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a front plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 25 is a rear plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 26 is a right-side plan view of the elbow guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of the elbow guard, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a detail cross-section view of a shield retainer portion ofthe elbow guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a detail cross-section view of a retainer portion of theelbow guard, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a shield insert for the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 30 depicts thetabs 3014 a and 3014 b located along the periphery of shield insert3008. Shield insert 3008 is depicted in a flat state prior to insertioninto elbow guard 2202.

As depicted, shield insert 3008 also comprises two additional tabs 3002located at an upper and lower portion of shield insert 3008 and alongthe centerline of the shield insert. Additional tabs 3002 aid inretention and positioning of shield insert 3008 with respect to elbowguard 2202. In at least one embodiment, additional tabs 3002 extend awayfrom shield insert 3008 sufficiently far to slide under an edge ofprotective surface 2206. In at least one embodiment, shield insert 3008lacks additional tabs 3002.

FIG. 31 is a side plan view of the shield insert for the elbow guard, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of another shield insert 408′ for the foot guardand another shield insert 1412′ for the shin guard, in accordance withembodiments. Shield insert 408′ is similar to shield insert 408 (FIG.12) and for clarity only differences will be discussed herein. Incontrast with tabs 414 a/b and 432 a/b, tabs 414 a′/b′ and 432 a′/b′have a different shape in the plan view. In particular, each of the tabs414 a′/b′ and 432 a′/b′ have a hook shape with a notch on a lower edgeextending away from shield insert 408′. Advantageously, having a notchon an edge of the tab increases an ability of the tab to be retainedwithin the foot guard. The notch interacts with a portion of a retainer426/430 opening to increase a difficulty of removal and/or increase alikelihood that the tab will catch on the retainer opening. For example,in some embodiments, this configuration decreases the likelihood of ashield insert inadvertently falling off the foot guard.

In some embodiments, the notch extends one third of the distance of theheight of the tab. In some embodiments, the notch extends one tenth ofthe distance of the height of the tab. In some embodiments, the notchextends between 1/20^(th) and ½ the distance of the height of the tab.In some embodiments, the notch extends between 1/10^(th) and ¾ thedistance of the height of the tab. In some embodiments, the notch ispositioned on an upper edge of the tab extending away from shield insert408′. In some embodiments, tabs 414 a′/b′ have a notch on a lower edgeand tabs 432 a′/b′ have a notch on an upper edge. In some embodiments,tabs 414 a′/b′ have a notch on an upper edge and tabs 432 a′/b′ have anotch on a lower edge. In some embodiments, half of tabs 414 a′/b′ havea notch on an upper edge and half have a notch on a lower edge. In someembodiments, half of tabs 432 a′/b′ have a notch on an upper edge andhalf have a notch on a lower edge.

Shield insert 1412′ is similar to shield insert 1412 (FIG. 20) and forclarity only differences will be discussed herein. In contrast with tabs1420, tabs 1420′ have a different shape in the plan view. In particular,each of the tabs 1420′ have a hook shape with a notch on a lower edgeextending away from shield insert 1412′. Advantageously, having a notchon an edge of the tab increases an ability of the tab to be retainedwithin the foot guard. The notch interacts with a portion of a retainer1424 opening to increase a difficulty of removal and/or increase alikelihood that the tab will catch on the retainer opening. For example,in some embodiments, this configuration decreases the likelihood of ashield insert inadvertently falling off the shin guard.

In some embodiments, the notch extends one third of the distance of theheight of the tab. In some embodiments, the notch extends one tenth ofthe distance of the height of the tab. In some embodiments, the notchextends between 1/20^(th) and ½ the distance of the height of the tab.In some embodiments, the notch extends between 1/10^(th) and ¾ thedistance of the height of the tab. In some embodiments, the notch ispositioned on an upper edge of the tab extending away from shield insert1412′. In some embodiments, tabs 1420′ have a notch on a lower edge. Insome embodiments, tabs 1420′ have a notch on an upper edge. In someembodiments, half of tabs 1420′ have a notch on an upper edge and halfhave a notch on a lower edge.

In some embodiments, the tab configuration for tabs 1420′ is usable infor the tabs 3014 a/b of the shield insert 3008 for the elbow guard.

The interchangeable design of the present disclosure allows the playerto swap out the design plates (inserts) to a color and/or design suitingthe preference of the player at a reduced cost in comparison toreplacing the entire protective gear. Advantageously, the inserts areswappable without the use of tools.

The shin, foot, and elbow guards of one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure house interchangeable design plates (also referred to hereinas shield inserts) allowing a player/user to remove the design plate ofa particular color or design and replace it with another design plate ofanother color or design.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a playerprotection device for protecting at least a portion of a playercomprises a protective surface configured to protect at least a portionof a body part of the player; and a shield insert configured to beremovably attached to the protective surface, wherein the protectivesurface is configured to receive the shield insert and retain the shieldinsert thereon.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a shield insertfor a player protection device has a body. The body comprises at leastone pair of tabs along a periphery of the body and arranged oppositeeach other; and at least one secondary tab along a periphery of the bodyand arranged perpendicular to the at least one pair of tabs.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, a method of usinga player protection device comprises a protective surface configured toprotect at least a portion of a body part of the player and a shieldinsert removably attached to the protective surface. The protectivesurface is configured to receive the shield insert and retain the shieldinsert thereon. The method comprises removing the shield insert from theprotective surface; and installing another shield insert on theprotective surface.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provide an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/orrelativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance rangesfrom less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but isnot limited to, component values, process variations, temperaturevariations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal variations. Suchrelativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent tomagnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operablycoupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

1. A player protection device for protecting at least a portion of aplayer, the protection device comprising: a protective surfaceconfigured to protect at least a portion of a body part of the playerthe protective surface having a mechanism configured to secure theprotective surface to the portion of the body part of the player; and ashield insert configured to be removably attached to the protectivesurface and having at least one tab, wherein the protective surface hasat least one receptacle configured to receive the at least one tab ofthe shield insert and retain the shield insert thereon, and the shieldinsert is configured to be removably attached/detached at a state inwhich the mechanism secures the protective surface to the portion of thebody part of the player.
 2. The player protection device of claim 1,wherein the shield insert is configured to be removablyattached/detached without use of tools.
 3. The player protection deviceof claim 1, wherein the at least one tab of the shield insert isarranged along a periphery of the shield insert.
 4. The playerprotection device of claim 3, wherein the protective surface comprisesat least four receptacles.
 5. The player protection device of claim 3,wherein the shield insert comprises at least four tabs.
 6. The playerprotection device of claim 1, the shield insert comprising at least oneresiliently deformable tab; and the protective surface having formedtherein at least one opening configured to receive the at least oneresiliently deformable tab.
 7. The player protection device of claim 6,wherein the at least one resiliently deformable tab is twolinearly-spaced, opposing, resiliently deformable tabs, and whereinduring insertion of the two linearly-spaced, opposing, resilientlydeformable tabs into the opening of the protective surface, theresiliently deformable tabs are urged toward each other by contact withedges of the opening formed in the protective surface.
 8. The playerprotection device of claim 1, the shield insert comprising: at least onetab along a periphery of the shield insert; and at least one resilientlydeformable tab along a periphery of the shield insert; and theprotective surface having formed therein: at least one receptacleconfigured to receive the at least one tab; and having formed therein atleast one opening configured to receive the at least one resilientlydeformable tab.
 9. The player protection device of claim 8, wherein theshield insert comprises at least four tabs and at least two resilientlydeformable tabs.
 10. The player protection device of claim 1, whereinthe protective surface is at least one of a foot guard, a shin guard, oran elbow guard.
 11. The player protection device of claim 1, furthercomprising a secondary protective surface configured to protect at leastanother portion of a body part of the player, the secondary protectivesurface detachably fastened to the protective surface; and a secondaryshield insert configured to be removably attached to the secondaryprotective surface, wherein the secondary protective surface isconfigured to receive the secondary shield insert and retain thesecondary shield insert thereon.
 12. The player protection device ofclaim 11, wherein the shield insert comprises at least one tab along aperiphery of the shield insert, and wherein the secondary shield insertcomprises at least one resiliently deformable tab along a periphery ofthe secondary shield insert.
 13. The player protection device of claim12, wherein the number of tabs is different from the number ofresiliently deformable tabs.
 14. The player protection device of claim4, wherein the protective surface comprises four receptacles, whereinthe four receptacles are arranged as two opposing pairs of receptaclesalong opposite peripheral edges of the protective surface.
 15. Theplayer protection device of claim 5, wherein the shield insert comprisesfour tabs, wherein the four tabs are arranged as two opposing pairs oftabs along opposite peripheral edges of the shield insert.
 16. Theplayer protection device of claim 1, wherein the protective surface issubstantially U-shaped in cross-section.
 17. The player protectiondevice of claim 1, wherein the protective surface is substantiallycurved in cross-section.
 18. A shield insert for a player protectiondevice, the shield insert having a body, the body comprising: at leastone pair of tabs along a periphery of the body and arranged oppositeeach other; and at least one secondary tab along a periphery of thebody, wherein an orientation of the at least one secondary tab isarranged perpendicular to an orientation of one tab of the at least onepair of tabs.
 19. The shield insert of claim 18, wherein the at leastone pair of tabs is three pairs of tabs; and wherein the at least onesecondary tab is at least two tabs.
 20. A method of using a playerprotection device, the player protection device comprising a protectivesurface configured to protect at least a portion of a body part of theplayer and a shield insert removably attached to the protective surface,wherein the protective surface is configured to receive the shieldinsert and retain the shield insert thereon, the method comprisingremoving the shield insert from the protective surface by removing atleast a tab of the shield insert from a corresponding receptacle of theprotective surface; and installing another shield insert on theprotective surface.